Morere Hot Springs

Set in 364 hectares of native bush the Morere Hot Springs provide modern bathing and spa facilities in a beautiful natural environment. The bush reserve, managed by the Department of Conservation, is one of the last remaining tracts of lowland rainforest on the east coast of New Zealand.

The Morere Hot Springs Scenic Reserve is best known for its stands of nikau palms, but high rainfall, a mild climate and fertile mudstone soils have created an environment for a notable area of rain forest.

Major forest trees include Tawa, Kohekohe, Pukatea, Rimu, Totara, Miro and Matai while on the higher ridges there are remnant patches of native beech. Under the canopy a prolific mass of ferns, small trees, orchids, shade loving plants, and epiphytes jostle for space.

Walking Tracks
Visitors can enjoy a great wilderness experience on the walking tracks ranging from easy 20-minute walks, to challenging two and three hour hikes.

The Cemetery Track is a short marked track leading from the cemetery on Tunanui Road, up to the Ridge Track. 10 minutes.

The Ridge Track is a more demanding trail which leads between to Nikau Loop Track and the Mangakawa Track. It climbs through tall forest to a ridge covered in black beech, lancewood and mingimingi with clearings offering pleasant views over the forest and farmland hills beyond. Allow two hours.

The Nikau Loop Track is an easy walk through varied lowland forest. Suitable for family groups and usable in all but the worst weather. Mostly flat walking with some gentle inclines. Emerges on Mangakawa Track. Allow 20 minutes.

The Mangakawa Track is a challenging hike, suitable for fit walkers. Wear sturdy footwear. The track follows the Mangakawa Stream with views of waterfalls and small gorges, and leads back to the Nikau Loop track. Allow two and a half hours.

Accommodation

Moonlight Lodge - Family or small groups travellers lodge with shared facilities in a traditional East Coast farmhouse. There are six rooms including doubles and twins. If every bed is occupied we can sleep 14 people. Comfortable, quality beds, plenty of room, individual privacy, big shared kitchen and living room and a great outlook from the veranda. The Lodge is 250 metres from the Morere Hot Springs and bush reserve with its unique mixture of hot mineral pools set in the best remaining example of lowland East Coast rainforest. Beautiful bush walks from 20 minutes to two and a half hours. Morere is a tree lovers paradise with the bush reserve and a 15 hectare planted woodland surrounding the lodge. In the summer guests can swim in the big river swimming pool. The lodge is on a working sheep and cattle farm.

Cabins - Two new self-contained cabins. Built from timber milled on the farm, these cabins were designed to look like traditional country huts on the outside, but finished with modern elegance on the inside. They come with their own bathrooms and kitchenettes with gas hobs and a microwave for cooking. Beautifully situated with their backs to the river and facing the sun and the view. Ideal for two, they can sleep three adults in a double and single bed, or two adults with two children on fold-out beds.

Morepork Cottage - Self contained cottage with a double and twin room. Cosy with a beautiful sunny outlook it enjoys its own seclusion well away from other buildings. Lovely polished wood floors and French doors opening onto a little deck - just the place for an evening drink or breakfast before another East Coast day. The cottage is 200 metres from the famous Morere Hot Springs and bush reserve. The Hot Springs are very rare because the water originates as sea water which is considered highly therapeutic. The cottage is fully equipped with all bedding and towels supplied. Tea rooms in walking distance for meals, essentials and the morning paper.